DE102019214576A1 - Fluid-fillable bladder system and welding tool - Google Patents

Abstract

Fluid-fillable bladder system (1), in particular for contour-adjustable components of a vehicle, comprising two or more bladders (3, 5) each formed from flexible film (17, 18, 19, 20), at least one of the bladders (3, 5) having an opening (9) for the inflow and / or outflow of fluid into the bladder system (1). The interiors (11, 13) of two adjacent bubbles (3, 5) are connected to one another via a fluid channel (7) so that fluid can flow over, the fluid channel (7) being surrounded by a weld seam (15), each of which is two adjacent Bladders (3, 5) join together. Pointing into the interior (11, 13) of at least one of the bubbles (3, 5) is a contour zone (25) surrounding the fluid channel (7) which has two or more areas (21, 27, 47) of different material thicknesses (H21. 1, H21.2, H21.3, H27.1, H47.1, H47.2, H20) of the film (17, 18, 19, 20) forming the bubble (3, 5).

Description

The present invention relates to a fluid-fillable bladder system and a welding tool and a method for producing such a bladder system by means of the welding tool.

Fluid-fillable bladders and multi-chamber bladder systems are often used in the automotive sector and usually comprise film bubbles or air chambers that can be filled with air. The flexible film bubbles are filled, for example, by means of a compressed air supply, wherein the air pressure can be variably adjustable in order, for example, to realize support contours of different hardness and different strength in a vehicle seat.

Usually, multi-chamber bladder systems have a compressed air supply opening into one of the bladders, the other bladders being connected to overflow channels and thus also being supplied with compressed air. From the U.S. 4,965,899 , of the U.S. 6,122,784 and the DE 10 2011 089 749 B4 Different types of multi-chamber bubble systems are known, the individual chambers being connected to one another so that air can flow over between adjacent bubbles.

The known multi-chamber bladder systems often show unfavorable behavior when filling with compressed air, in particular when an external pressure, for example by the body weight of a person in a vehicle seat, is exerted on the bladder system at the same time. For example, the overflow or fluid channel between two adjacent bubbles is often blocked in that a section of a second bubble opposite the fluid channel is pressed onto the fluid channel. Only when a limit pressure is exceeded in the first bladder does the hitherto closed second bladder open suddenly, producing a noise. In addition, the jerky opening is uncomfortably noticeable and has a negative effect on the material stability.

The object of the present invention is to provide a bladder system with an improved inflation behavior as well as a welding tool and a method for producing such a bladder system.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a bladder system according to claim 1 and a welding tool according to claim 8 or a method according to claim 14. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims.

A fluid-fillable bladder system according to the invention, in particular for contour-adjustable components of a vehicle, such as vehicle seat, armrest, center console, rear spoiler, comprises two or more bubbles each made of flexible film, at least one of the bubbles having an opening for the inflow and / or outflow of fluid in the bladder system, and wherein the interiors of two adjacent bladders are connected to one another via a fluid channel, so that fluid can flow over. The fluid channel is surrounded by a weld seam which joins two adjacent bubbles to one another. Pointing into the interior of at least one of the bubbles, a contour zone surrounding the fluid channel is formed which has two or more areas of different material thicknesses of the film forming the bubble. By forming areas of different material thickness in a contour zone surrounding the fluid channel, there are unevenness there and the upper film of the second bubble can no longer lie flat on the film area surrounding the fluid channel and no longer completely seal the fluid channel. This means that the air can flow over into the second bladder from the start of the filling process or at a low limit pressure. The filling pressure of the fluid, usually air, can thus act on the entire inner surface of the second bladder and raise it continuously. A sudden expansion of the second bubble is thus prevented.

It can be particularly advantageous to form a contour zone with the areas of different material thicknesses on both sides of the fluid channel, so that a contour zone thus has in each of the two adjacent bubbles. In bladder systems that have three or more bubbles, two contour zones meet in the inner bladder when the bladder is compressed, namely an upper contour zone of a first fluid channel pointing into the bubble and a lower contour zone of a second fluid channel pointing into the same bubble. The meeting of the elevations and depressions of the two contour zones also encourages the air to flow through.

Ideally, the foils from which the bubbles are formed have a material suitable for high-frequency welding, in particular polyurethane. By applying a high-frequency alternating field, usually in the MHz range, the foils can be heated and joined together under pressure.

A first area of the contour zone expediently surrounds the fluid channel at least in sections and has a first material thickness and a second area of the contour zone surrounds the first area at least in sections and has a second material thickness. Due to the different material heights you will plan and counteracted sealing contact of the opposite film.

In an advantageous variant, the contour zone comprises a third area which at least partially surrounds the second area and has the first or a third material thickness.

Because each of the three areas has a different height to its respectively adjacent area, an opposite film can only insufficiently adapt to this height profile of the contour area, so that it is even more difficult to lie flat and seal the fluid channel.

Ideally, the second material thickness of the second area is less than the first material thickness of the first area and / or less than the third material thickness of the third area. The second area thus results in at least some sections as a depression, and an opposite film can only insufficiently insert itself into such a depression. As described further below, however, contours can also be present in such a recessed second area which have a material thickness or height that corresponds to or even exceeds the adjacent areas.

The first and / or the second area is preferably polygonal and / or arcuate in its lateral extension on an outer circumferential side. The more structured the contoured, i.e. raised or recessed, areas of the contour zone are, the lower the probability of an airtight seal with an overlying film, since tensions counteracting the sealing build up in the overlying film. Instead of a circular shape, angular structures such as polygons and star shapes are particularly useful. In addition, shapes with round outer edges and combinations of round, straight, and corner outer edges, such as a clover leaf shape, can be formed.

If several, in particular three or more, bubbles are arranged one above the other and therefore several connections with fluid channels are located one above the other, the structured areas, in particular the polygonal and / or arcuate contours, can be arranged with an angular offset to one another. This angular offset, i.e. identical or similar patterns which are rotated in comparison to one another, is particularly evident in the case of two contour zones within a bubble and thus opposite contour zones, i.e. an upward-pointing contour zone of a bubble on a first fluid channel and a downward-pointing contour zone of the same bubble on one second fluid channel, makes sense. Patterns or structures of the polygonal and / or arcuate areas thus intersect and form natural spacings between the contour zones, through which the air can get particularly well from the fluid channels to the surrounding areas into the interior of the bladder.

The contour zone preferably has spacer elements and / or flow channels. These shapes are usually of a rather smaller two-dimensional extent than, for example, the areas described above. The spacer elements are elevations which prevent the foils from lying flat on top of one another in an area surrounding the respective spacer element. A flow channel can be viewed as a depression that is large enough to allow air to flow through it, but too small to allow a film to be fitted in a sealing manner. The flow of air between the foils is thus further improved in that air flows between the spacer elements or in the flow channels. The spacer elements or flow channels can extend over one, two or all of the three areas, and can also extend beyond the third area into the further surrounding film area.

In a preferred variant, the spacer elements are ridges extending radially from the fluid channel and the flow channels are grooves extending radially from the fluid channel. Essentially elongated structures pointing away from the fluid channel are thus provided, which allow the air to flow particularly well into the further inner space of the second bladder.

In a further variant, the first and / or the second area has two or more sub-areas, each of which has a different material thickness in the circumferential direction to an adjacent sub-area. Thus, unevennesses are provided in the circumferential direction, which prevent the upper film from resting flat on the lower film, as a result of which a flow of air in the radial direction is made possible or improved. The sub-areas can in particular be grooves or ridges.

In a further advantageous variant, the third area has two or more sub-areas, each of which has a different material thickness in the circumferential direction to an adjacent sub-area. This makes it even more difficult for the upper film to lie flat in the third area and improves the flow of air between the films.

A welding tool according to the invention for producing a bladder system, in particular a bladder system according to the preceding description, comprises a welding die, which consists of an electrical one High-frequency alternating field conductive material is formed. The welding stamp has a central recess and the welding tool furthermore comprises an inner stamp which is arranged within the recess and which is formed from a material which is non-conductive to the electrical high-frequency alternating field and is contoured on an underside. The welding stamp, which can be made of aluminum, for example, connects the film of the first bubble and the film of the second bubble by means of high-frequency welding. The two foils are heated by the electrical high-frequency alternating field and by pressing the welding die against an abutment surface, the foils in between are connected in a material-locking manner. The bead of material entering the central recess at the inner edge of the welding punch is formed by the inner punch, which can be made of a plastic, for example, and its contours. In this way, the overall shape of the bead can be controlled and contours can be formed as sub-areas of different material heights. This enables the desired overflow behavior to be achieved when filling the bladder system.

The inner die is preferably adjustable in height relative to the welding die. Depending on the film material and welding parameters, welding beads made of different amounts of material and thus thicknesses can be processed. In addition, it can be selected whether the bead is to be shaped essentially after it has been formed by pressing the inner punch, or whether the bead is formed by the inner punch, which is held in its end position or forming position, by the bead already during the welding process is pressed under the inner punch.

Ideally, the inner punch is exchangeable. Inner punches with different contours can be selected and the inner punch can be replaced in the event of possible wear.

In an advantageous variant, the cross section of the welding punch is polygonal and / or arcuate on an outer circumferential side. Thus, as already mentioned above, the weld seam of the two foils can be correspondingly contoured, as a result of which stresses are generated particularly well in the upper foil section when it rests on the contour zone, which prevents the fluid channel from being sealed.

Preferably, an outer die surrounding the welding die at least in sections is arranged, which has a material that does not conduct the electrical high-frequency alternating field. In this way, a welding bead arising on the outer circumference of the welding die can also be shaped and contoured in order to advantageously influence the overflow behavior of the air or the filling gas from the first bubble into the second bubble.

In an expedient variant, the welding die and / or the outer die is each contoured on an underside. Thus, in the area of the actual weld seam as well as the outer weld bead, sub-areas or contours can be formed which promote the flow of air particularly well. In particular, it is thus possible to continuously guide the subregions or contours adjoining one another from the inner weld bead over the weld seam and the outer weld bead in order to enable the air to flow through from the fluid channel to the edge of the contour zone. However, it is also conceivable to design the welding die on its underside in such a way that it contours and shapes the weld seam as well as inner and outer weld beads.

In a further advantageous variant, the welding tool comprises two opposite sides with the stamps and stamp structures described for forming the weld seam and contouring. Thus, a contour zone can be formed on a fluid channel at the same time and on both sides, that is, below the two foils to be connected and pointing into the first bubble and above pointing into the second bubble. Thus, one welding die forms the abutment surface of the opposite one, with the two foils to be connected being arranged between them. The opposing stamp structures or stamp surfaces can already be rotated with respect to one another in order to achieve the rotation of the polygonal and / or arcuate contours of the areas of the contour zone, as described above.

In a further variant, the welding tool comprises two sides facing away from one another with the stamps and stamp structures described for forming a weld seam in each case. Thus, a contour zone pointing into a bubble can be formed at the same time on a first fluid channel and a contour zone pointing into the same bubble can be formed on an opposite, second fluid channel. The stamp surfaces can also be rotated against each other.

• - Bereitstellen von zwei übereinander angeordneten Folien, wobei die erste Folie zumindest teilweise zur Bildung einer ersten Blase und die zweite Folie zumindest teilweise zur Bildung einer zweiten Blase vorgesehen ist,
• - Verschweißen der beiden Folien und Ausbilden einer Schweißnaht durch Aufdrücken eines Schweißwerkzeugs und Beaufschlagen des Schweißwerkzeugs mit einem Hochfrequenz-Wechselfeld,
• - Formen eines sich durch das Verschweißen bildenden Schweißwulstes aus Folienmaterial, so dass der Schweißwulst mindestens zwei Unterbereiche unterschiedlicher Materialdicke aufweist.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a welding tool, comprising the following method steps:

• - Provision of two films arranged one above the other, the first film being at least partially intended to form a first bubble and the second film at least partially intended to form a second bubble,
• - Welding the two foils and forming a weld seam by pressing on a welding tool and applying a high-frequency alternating field to the welding tool,
• Forming a welding bead formed by the welding from foil material, so that the welding bead has at least two sub-regions of different material thickness.

After the welding process, the fluid channel can be punched out of the two foils in the middle. As an alternative to this, each of the foils can already have the recess which corresponds to the fluid channel before the welding and the foils can be placed congruently on top of one another with regard to the fluid channel. A centering aid in the form of a cone or cylinder can also be used for this purpose.

The welding bead is expediently formed during the welding of the two foils and thus during its formation, or the welding bead is formed following the welding. The shaping and / or contouring can, as described above, relate to an inner and an outer weld bead. If this shaping and contouring takes place after the actual welding process, this can be done by lowering the inner punch or the outer punch. However, another tool can also be used to iron on the contours under the action of heat. This ironing on can on the one hand include, for example, the pressing of contours into the weld beads, i.e. the formation of areas of different material thickness by displacement of film material, but on the other hand it can also mean ironing in waves or unevenness without influencing the material thickness or displacement of film material.

• 1: eine Schnittansicht eines aufgeblasenen Zwei-Kammer-Blasensystems,
• 2: eine Schnittansicht eines Zwei-Kammer-Blasensystems mit durch die zweite Blase verschlossenem Fluidkanal,
• 3 A: einen Fluidkanal mit auf einem seitlichen Schweißwulst aufliegender Folie der zweiten Blase nach dem Stand der Technik,
• 3B: einen Fluidkanal mit plan aufliegender Folie der zweiten Blase nach dem Stand der Technik,
• 3C: einen Fluidkanal mit auf einem seitlichen Schweißwulst aufliegender Folie der zweiten Blase und in dem Schweißwulst ausgebildeten Durchflusskanälen,
• 4: eine Draufsicht auf eine Konturenzone der zweiten Blase,
• 5: eine Draufsicht auf den zweiten Bereich einer Konturenzone in verschiedenen Formenbeispielen,
• 6: eine seitliche Schnittansicht eines Schweißwerkzeugs,
• 7: eine Draufsicht einer Konturenzone eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 8: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Konturenzone des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 9: eine seitliche Schnittansicht der Konturenzone des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 10: eine Draufsicht einer Konturenzone eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 11: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Konturenzone des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 12: eine seitliche Schnittansicht der Konturenzone des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 13: eine Draufsicht einer Konturenzone eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 14: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Konturenzone des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 15: eine seitliche Schnittansicht der Konturenzone des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 16: eine Draufsicht einer Konturenzone eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 17: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Konturenzone des vierten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 18: eine seitliche Schnittansicht der Konturenzone des vierten Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 19: eine Draufsicht einer Konturenzone eines fünften Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 20: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Konturenzone des fünften Ausführungsbeispiels,
• 21: eine seitliche Schnittansicht der Konturenzone des fünften Ausführungsbeispiels.

In the event that a contour zone on both sides is to be formed, a welding tool as described above with two punch surfaces is advantageously used, so that two contour zones are formed in a single work step. If a welding tool with opposing punch surfaces is used, two contour zones can be formed on a fluid channel, one of which points into the first of the adjacent and then interconnected bubbles, and the other points into the second bubble. If a welding tool with two punch surfaces pointing away from one another is used, a contour zone can be formed on a first fluid channel and a contour zone on a second fluid channel, with both contour zones pointing into the same bubble. The bladder can then be closed, for example by edge welding the upper half of the bubble to the lower half of the bubble. Alternatively, the contour zones can also be formed one after the other and, for this purpose, a welding tool with only one punch or welding side can each be newly placed against a conventional abutment surface. In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the figures. Show it

• 1 : a sectional view of an inflated two-chamber bladder system,
• 2 : a sectional view of a two-chamber bladder system with a fluid channel closed by the second bladder,
• 3 A : a fluid channel with the foil of the second bladder lying on a lateral welding bead according to the prior art,
• 3B : a fluid channel with a flat sheet of the second bladder according to the prior art,
• 3C : a fluid channel with a film of the second bladder resting on a lateral welding bead and flow channels formed in the welding bead,
• 4th : a plan view of a contour zone of the second bubble,
• 5 : a plan view of the second area of a contour zone in different shape examples,
• 6th : a side sectional view of a welding tool,
• 7th : a plan view of a contour zone of a first embodiment,
• 8th : a perspective view of the contour zone of the first embodiment,
• 9 : a side sectional view of the contour zone of the first embodiment,
• 10 : a plan view of a contour zone of a second embodiment,
• 11 : a perspective view of the contour zone of the second embodiment,
• 12th : a side sectional view of the contour zone of the second embodiment,
• 13th : a plan view of a contour zone of a third embodiment,
• 14th : a perspective view of the contour zone of the third embodiment,
• 15th : a side sectional view of the contour zone of the third embodiment,
• 16 : a plan view of a contour zone of a fourth embodiment,
• 17th : a perspective view of the contour zone of the fourth embodiment,
• 18th : a side sectional view of the contour zone of the fourth embodiment,
• 19th : a plan view of a contour zone of a fifth embodiment,
• 20th : a perspective view of the contour zone of the fifth embodiment,
• 21 : a side sectional view of the contour zone of the fifth embodiment.

Components that correspond to one another are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

1 Figure 10 shows a sectional view of an inflated bladder system 1 , which has two chambers or bubbles formed from flexible film 3rd , 5 includes, which via a fluid channel 7th connected so that through an opening 9 supplied compressed air from the interior 11 the first bubble 3rd in the interior 13th the second bubble 5 can overflow. The fluid channel 7th is from a weld 15th surrounded by which the two bubbles 3rd , 5 are connected to one another in a sealed manner to the outside. In this embodiment, the bladder system comprises 1 two bubbles 3rd , 5 , but also bladder systems 1 with three or more bubbles are possible, each via a fluid channel 7th are interconnected so that inflation is via a single air supply 9 is possible. However, it is also possible to have one or more air inlets on more than one bladder 9 to be provided. The first bubble 3rd has an upper half or section or film 17th and a lower half or section or sheet 19th on. The second bubble 5 has an upper half or section or film 18th and a lower half or section or sheet 20th on. These sections 17th , 18th , 19th , 20th can be present as individual foils and to form the bubbles 3rd , 5 be welded successively. This can be done, for example, by welding the sections together 17th and 20th and then the sections 17th and 19th such as 18th and 20th happen. However, other approaches or cuts as a starting point are also possible.

2 Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a two-chamber bladder system 1 with through the second bubble 5 sealed fluid channel 7th . This diagram shows a state during an inflation process of the bladder system 1 , being the first bubble 3rd is already at least partially inflated due to an internal pressure P and thus a force directed in all directions F1 on the outer walls of the bladder 3rd exercises. The upper section 18th the second bubble 5 lies on the lower section 20th on, there is a force acting from above F2 , for example exerted by a vehicle occupant, on the bladder system 1 acts. In this embodiment it is on the weld seam 15th a weld bead 21 formed, which is an increase compared to the lower portion 20th the second bubble 5 represents. The weld bead 21 occurs when the weld seam is formed 15th by means of high-frequency welding, for example on the inner edge of a welding die.

3A shows the in 2 dashed section of the fluid channel 7th with adjacent weld seam 15th with on the weld bead 21 overlying upper film section 18th the second bubble 5 . In this representation corresponding to the prior art, the weld bead 21 no contouring, grooves or burrs, so that the weld bead 21 the shape of a continuous ring around the fluid channel 7th Has. The weld bead 21 now acts as a seal, so that no air from the first bladder 3rd in the further outlying areas of the second bladder 5 can flow. Around the second bubble 5 to fill and the top slide 18th against the force F2 to raise, so remains only the area in the size of the fluid channel 7th to the force F2 to counteract. According to the equation F = p * A (force = pressure times area), a high pressure must first be applied in order to cover the film with a small area 18th to raise.

3B shows a further representation corresponding to the prior art, in which there is no weld bead 21 when making the weld 15th was trained. The upper section of the film 18th now lies flat on the lower section of the film 20th the second bubble 5 on so that the fluid channel 7th is also sealed airtight. Accordingly, the same problem arises as in 3A on.

3C Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which a weld bead 21 was formed, but this is further contoured. As in 3A lies the upper section 18th the second bubble 5 on the weld bead 21 on. By contouring 23 which, for example, is a flow channel pressed in from above 23 can be (shown here with dashed lines), but can now be that of the first bubble 3rd incoming air also into the side areas of the interior 13th the second bubble 5 stream. Thus, the pressure P allows the second bladder to expand 5 act on their entire inner surface. A weld bead 21 with contours 23 can also be on the opposite side of the weld 15th , so on the film section 17th be formed, especially in the case of medium-sized bubbles of a three- or multi-bubble system.

4th shows a plan view of a contour zone 25th the second bubble 5 . As a contour zone 25th becomes a zone shown here by dashed lines 25th of the lower film section 20th the second bubble 5 denotes which the fluid channel 7th surrounds, and in the Contours, that is, elevations or depressions, are formed around the fluid channel 7th sealing contact of the upper film 18th the second bubble 5 to prevent. This embodiment includes a first area 21 which the weld bead 21 and has a first material thickness and a second area 27 , which in the area of the weld seam 15th is formed, or corresponds to this. The second area 27 is produced by pressing on a welding die and thus usually has a lower height profile than its surroundings. The first area 21 usually corresponds to a foil material pressed inward by a welding die and is therefore thicker than its surroundings. The shape of the second area 27 on its outer peripheral side 28 Contains curved and straight sections as well as corners to ensure that the top sheet lies flat 18th the second bubble 5 due to the formation of tension in the upper film 18th in addition to complicate. In this embodiment there are contours 29 in the first area 21 formed so that the first area 21 in a first one, these outlines 29 corresponding, subsection 29 and in a second sub-area 30th is divided. The sub-areas 29 are raised ridges, leaving air between them and the top film section 18th can flow through it (shown by arrows). The ridges or contours 29 can also extend to the second area 27 extend. The contour zones 25th can in all the embodiments shown here on one side of the weld 15th or can also be formed on both sides. So it can be on a fluid channel 7th only one contour zone 25th be present, which in one of the two interconnected bubbles 3rd , 5 or it can have two contour zones 25th be present, one of which in either of the two bubbles 3rd , 5 points and the other into the other bubble 3rd , 5 . As described above, this is particularly true for medium-sized bladders of a three- or multi-bladder system 1 useful because the contour zones 25th can be designed rotated to each other and when a bubble is compressed, the structures of the contour zones 25th cross so that air can flow particularly well between them.

5 shows a plan view of the second area 27 a contour zone 25th in various form examples, without being limited to this selection within the scope of this invention. It is also possible to form a circular structure. Furthermore, the design of the outer peripheral side 28 of the second area 27 as a polygon, which can be combined with arched structures, advantageous. Thus, stresses develop in the upper portion 18th when resting on the lower section 20th off, which makes it difficult to lie completely flat on top of one another.

6th shows a side sectional view of a welding tool 31 for welding two layers of film material and thus for connecting a first and a second bladder 3rd , 5 by means of a weld seam 15th . The welding tool 31 includes a welding punch 33 , which is formed from a material that conducts an electrical high-frequency alternating field, for example aluminum. By heating and pressing two foils to be joined together, in this case the lower foil section 20th the second bubble 5 and the upper film section 17th the first bubble 3rd , so that the weld seam 15th educated. The welding stamp 33 has a central recess 35 on, into which heated foil material can be pressed and thus a weld bead 21 is trained. In this central recess 35 is an inside stamp 37 arranged, which on a bottom 39 is contoured to the weld bead 21 additionally to reshape or to contour. The inner punch 37 either in the lower position shown here, so that the material is pressed directly into the contours. The inner stamp can also 37 can also be moved vertically and on the weld bead 21 be pressed on from above in order to further shape and contour it. On an outer peripheral side 40 or outside 40 of the welding stamp 33 can an outer stamp surrounding this at least in sections 41 be arranged, which is also formed from the high-frequency alternating field non-conductive material and analogous to the inner punch 37 one on the outside 40 of the welding stamp 33 resulting weld bead is formed and / or contoured. The outside stamp 41 can also be moved vertically and on its underside 43 be contoured. The outer peripheral side 40 or outside 40 of the welding stamp 33 shows the shape to form the weld 15th or the second area 27 is, for example, polygonal, as in the 4th and 5 shown. In addition, at the bottom 45 of the welding stamp 33 also contours for forming ridges 29 or grooves may be present. Inside stamp 37 and outside stamp 41 are appropriate according to the shape of the welding stamp 33 precisely shaped. The welding tool 31 can be mirrored on a mirror axis running horizontally below or above in this representation, so that the stamp surfaces 39 , 43 , 45 are opposite or are present on two outer sides. In the first variant, two contour zones 25th on a fluid channel 7th are simultaneously formed by the film sections 17th , 20th be welded in between by pressing together. In the second variant, two contour zones 25th simultaneously on a first and a second fluid channel 7th an inner bladder of a three or more bladder system 1 be welded, both contour zones 25th point into this bubble.

7th shows a plan view of a contour zone 25th or on the lower section 20th the second bubble 5 of a first embodiment. Through the inner stamp 37 became the first area 21 or the weld bead 21 with three additional radial contours 23 , in this example in the form of flow channels 23 or grooves 23 , Mistake. Thus, the first area 21 as in 4th shown, sub-areas 23 , 30th which each have a different material thickness in the circumferential direction to their adjacent sub-area 23 , 30th to have. The groove 23 extend into the second area 27 , which through the welding stamp 33 was shaped and essentially the weld 15th ( 1 ) corresponds. The fluid channel is in the middle 7th formed, which one of a perforation of the first and second bladder 3rd , 5 corresponds to.

8th shows a perspective view of the contour zone 25th of the first embodiment of 7th . It can be seen that the second area 27 by pressing on the welding stamp 33 a lower material thickness or height than the film area surrounding it on the outside, but also than the first area arranged on the inside 21 or weld bead 21 having. For example, an original film thickness can be achieved through the material expulsion when the welding die is pressed on 33 in the area 27 reduce from 1.0 mm to 0.6 mm. The groove 23 extend from the fluid channel 7th through the first area 21 up to the second area 27 .

9 shows a vertical sectional view of the contour zone 25th of the first embodiment according to FIGS 7th and 8th corresponding to the section axis IX of 7th . The fluid channel runs in the middle 7th for air exchange between the first and second bladder 3rd , 5 . The first area 21 surrounds the fluid channel 7th and has a first height H21.1 or material thickness H21.1 on. The first area 21 The second area closes around the outside 27 with a material thickness H27.1 at. The rest of the lower section follows on the outside 20th the second bubble 5 with a height of H20. In this illustration, the total material thickness is still due to the thickness of the film of the first bubble, at least in the welded areas 3rd to complete. The groove 23 or flow channels 23 extend from the fluid channel 7th up to the second area 27 and can, as in the 7th and 8th shown up in the field too 27 extend into it. The groove 23 have a material thickness H21.2 in the area 21 on which when extending into the area 27 is retained. As can be seen, the material thickness is H21.2 the groove 23 less than the material thickness H27.1 of the second area 27 so that air from the fluid channel 7th particularly good up to the second area 27 can flow, especially if the groove 23 down to the second area 27 extends.

10 shows a plan view of a contour zone 25th or on the lower section 20th the second bubble 5 of a second embodiment with largely the same shape as the first embodiment, but are elevations in the form of four ridges 29 instead of the three grooves 23 on the weld bead 21 educated. The ridges 29 are only on the first area in this example 21 formed as it is sufficient to the top sheet 18th to be spaced and a flow of air between the ridges 29 to enable, as already done in 4th is shown by arrows. Likewise, the ridges 29 however also in the area 27 continued where the slide 18th further on the ridges 29 can rest.

11 shows a perspective view of the contour zone 25th of the second embodiment. As in the first exemplary embodiment, the second area has 27 by pressing on the welding stamp 33 a lower material thickness or height than the film area surrounding it on the outside, but also than the first area arranged on the inside 21 or weld bead 21 . The four ridges 29 extend from the fluid channel 7th over the first area 21 .

12th shows a side sectional view of the contour zone 25th of the second embodiment, according to the 10 and 11 corresponding to the section axis XII of 10 . The fluid channel runs in the middle 7th . The first area 21 surrounds the fluid channel and has a first height or material thickness H21.1 on. The first area 21 The second area closes around the outside 27 with a material thickness H27.1 at. The rest of the lower section follows on the outside 20th the second bubble 5 with a height of H20. The ridges 29 extend from the fluid channel 7th in the first area 21 and have a height H21.3 which in this embodiment essentially corresponds to the height H20, but can also be higher or lower than this. The ridges 29 so protrude over the first area 21 addition, so that between the ridges 29 the air can flow through it.

13th shows a plan view of a contour zone 25th or on the lower section 20th the second bubble 5 of a third embodiment. The first area 21 essentially corresponds to the previous examples in terms of size and shape. The second area 27 contains a slightly larger area and has a greater number of corners and curved sections. There are also eight ridges 29 formed, which extends over the first and the second area 21 , 27 extend radially. Thus becomes the first area 21 in the sub-areas 30th and 29 (Bone 29 ) and the second area 27 in sub-areas 32 and 29 (Bone 29 ) divided.

14th shows a perspective view of the contour zone 25th of the third embodiment. As in the previous exemplary embodiments, the second area 27 by pressing on the welding stamp 33 a lower material thickness or height than the film area surrounding it on the outside, but also than the first area arranged on the inside 21 or weld bead 21 . The eight ridges 29 extend from the fluid channel 7th over the first area 21 and the second area 27 . They have ridges 29 each to the sub-areas 30th and 32 different heights.

15th shows a side sectional view of the contour zone 25th of the third embodiment, according to the 13th and 14th corresponding to the cutting axis XV of 13th . The fluid channel runs in the middle 7th . The first area 21 surrounds the fluid channel 7th and has a first height or material thickness H21.1 on. The first area 21 The second area closes around the outside 27 with a material thickness H27.1 at. The rest of the lower section follows on the outside 20th the second bubble 5 with a height of H20. The ridges 29 extend from the fluid channel 7th over the first area 21 and the second area 27 up to its edge and have a height H21.3 on. Merely through the representation, it appears as if the ridges are being formed 29 in the middle of the second area 27 end up. However, this variant would also be conceivable. The height H21.34 the ridges 29 is higher than the height H21.1 of the first area 21 and lower than the height H20 of the surrounding lower portion 20th . However, it would also be conceivable to change the height H21.3 to be provided equal to or higher than H20. It is also possible that the ridge 29 in the area 27 drops to a slightly lower height as long as it is still the height H27.1 towers. As in the third embodiment, the air between the ridges 29 flow through.

16 shows a plan view of a contour zone 25th or on the lower section 20th the second bubble 5 of a fourth embodiment. The contour zone 25th includes the first area 21 , the second area 27 as well as a third area 47 , which is an outer weld bead 47 can correspond. All three areas 21 , 27 , 47 are essentially circular, although shapes according to the above examples are also possible. There are also six ridges 29 formed, which extends over the first, the second and the third area 21 , 27 , 47 extend radially and even over the third area 47 run out. Thus the third area also has 47 Sub-areas 50 on. So overall, the first area 21 the sub-areas 29 and 30th , the second area 27 the sub-areas 29 and 32 and the third area 47 the sub-areas 29 and 50 on. In this example, ridges extend 29 about the areas 21 , 27 and 47 and beyond. However, grooves can also be of this type 23 , so depressions or channels, over the areas 21 , 27 and 47 and extend beyond.

17th shows a perspective view of the contour zone 25th of the fourth embodiment. As in the previous exemplary embodiments, the second area 27 , especially the subsection 32 , a lower material thickness or height than the first area 21 . The same is true of the second area 27 , especially the subsection 32 , lower than the third area 47 . The third area 47 is again higher than the rest of the film area surrounding it. The six ridges 29 are in all areas 21 , 27 , 47 each higher than the respective sub-areas 30th , 32 , 50 of areas 21 , 27 , 47 which they cross radially. Where is the height of the ridges 29 in the first and second area 21 , 27 constant and increases in the third area 47 .

18th shows a side sectional view of the contour zone 25th of the fourth embodiment, according to FIGS 16 and 17th corresponding to the section axis XVIII of 16 . The fluid channel runs in the middle 7th . The first area 21 surrounds the fluid channel and has a first height H21.1 on. The first area 21 The second area closes around the outside 27 with a material thickness H27.1 at. This is followed by the third area on the outside 47 with a height H47.1 , as well as the rest of the lower section 20th the second bubble 5 with a height of H20. The ridges 29 extend from the fluid channel 7th up to the third area 47 addition and have essentially in the first and second area 21 , 27 a height H21.3 and from a little before to after the third area 47 a greater height H47.2 . So it can be used in all areas 21 , 27 , 47 the air between the ridges 29 flow through. In addition, the three different high areas 21 , 27 , 47 making it difficult to lay the film flat.

19th shows a plan view of a contour zone 25th or on the lower section 20th the second bubble 5 of a fifth embodiment. This fifth embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment of FIG 7th to 9 , however, has a third area 47 , which is an external weld bead 47 is on. This fifth embodiment is intended in particular to make it clear that all embodiments, regardless of their shape and the presence of contours in the form of grooves 23 and ridges 29 also an external weld bead 47 can have. In this example there are also grooves 23 trained, which is in the first area 21 and up to the second area 27 extend.

20th shows a perspective view of the contour zone 25th of the fifth embodiment. The outer area 47 is through a Weld bead 47 formed, which is created by the expulsion of foil material during the welding process.

21 shows a side sectional view of the contour zone 25th of the fifth embodiment, according to FIGS 19th and 20th corresponding to the section axis XXI of 19th . The first area 21 surrounds the fluid channel and has a first height H21.1 on. The first area 21 The second area closes around the outside 27 with a material thickness H27.1 at. This is followed by the third area on the outside 47 with a height H47.1 , as well as the rest of the lower section 20th the second bubble 5 with a height of H20. The groove 23 have a height H21.2 on.

The following is how a welding tool works 31 described in more detail with reference to the figures.

Two slides 17th , 20th each showing part of a bladder 3rd , 5 represent, are arranged one above the other in order to be connected to one another in this orientation. By pressing on the welding stamp 33 of the welding tool 31 and a high-frequency alternating field is applied to the two foils 17th , 20th heated and welded together. Depending on the shape, the underside is formed 45 of the welding stamp 33 a weld 15th from which the second area shown above 27 corresponds to. The parameters can be selected in such a way that a first weld bead is formed 21 on the inside of the welding stamp 33 and a second weld bead 47 on the outside of the welding stamp 33 , also as the first area 21 and third area 47 called, forms. Through an inner stamp 37 as well as an outside stamp 41 can the weld beads 21 , 47 deformed and contoured so that sub-areas 23 , 29 , 30th arise which different material thicknesses to each other or to the areas 21 , 47 in which they have run. Likewise, at the bottom 45 of the welding stamp 33 Contours exist around the area as well 27 the weld 15th for example with a ridge 29 to contour. The contouring of the weld beads 21 , 47 can take place during welding by placing the material under the correctly positioned inner and outer punch 37 , 41 is pressed, or by the two stamps 37 , 41 after forming the respective bead 21 , 47 be pressed down on this. The inside and outside stamp 37 , 41 can also be tempered for this purpose, and the outer die 41 can have a width to include areas outside the weld bead 47 to contour. The undersides 39 , 45 , 43 The Stamp 37 , 33 , 41 can be designed to cover the three areas 21 , 27 , 47 continuous groove 23 or ridges 29 are formed. Then the fluid channel 7th punched out. Recesses for the fluid channel can also be made in the foils beforehand 17th , 20th be present, and the foils are placed one on top of the other in alignment with the recesses.

Based on the embodiments of a bladder system presented above 1 and a welding tool 31 many variations of the same are possible. So can the three areas 21 , 27 , 47 also have shapes other than those already shown. In particular the contours 29 in the form of ridges 29 are not limited to radial linear structures, but can also include, for example, angled or arcuate elements. Furthermore, the spacer elements 29 or contouring 29 also be knob-shaped elevations, which in one or more of the three areas 21 , 27 , 47 are trained. It can also increase the height of the ridges 29 vary and, for example, in the in 18th illustrated embodiment also in the section of the first area 21 further up and / or the height H47.2 have and / or from the fluid channel 7th until the end of its extension, the height is consistent H47.2 exhibit. All of these variants ensure that the air from the fluid channel 7th laterally into the second bladder 5 can flow. It should also be noted that the welding tool 31 can be designed so that the film material as an inner and outer weld bead 21 , 47 , i.e. on both sides of the welding stamp 33 , is expelled. It is also possible to have just one welding bead 21 , 47 drive out, so either in the area 21 or in the area 47 . This could, for example, by a correspondingly beveled bottom 45 of the welding stamp 33 respectively. Next it is possible that the areas 21 , 27 , 47 do not directly adjoin one another, but are, for example, spaced apart, with between the areas 21 , 27 , 47 other areas are available.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 4965899 [0003]
• US 6122784 [0003]
• DE 102011089749 B4 [0003]

Claims (15)

Fluid-fillable bladder system (1), in particular for contour-adjustable components of a vehicle, comprising two or more bladders (3, 5) each formed from flexible film (17, 18, 19, 20), at least one of the bladders (3, 5) having an opening (9) for the inflow and / or outflow of fluid into the bladder system (1), and wherein the interiors (11, 13) of two adjacent bladders (3, 5) are connected to one another via a fluid channel (7), so that fluid can flow over, and the fluid channel (7) is surrounded by a weld seam (15) which joins two adjacent bubbles (3, 5), characterized in that at least one of the bubbles (3 , 5) facing a contour zone (25) surrounding the fluid channel (7) is formed, which two or more areas (21, 27, 47) of different material thicknesses (H21.1, H21.2, H21.3, H27.1, H47 .1, H47.2, H20) of the film (17, 18, 19, 20) forming the bubble (3, 5). Bladder system after Claim 1 , characterized in that a first area (21) of the contour zone (25) surrounds the fluid channel (7) at least in sections and has a first material thickness (H21.1) and a second area (27) of the contour zone (25) the first area (21) surrounds at least some sections and has a second material thickness (H27.1). Bladder system after Claim 2 , characterized in that the contour zone (25) comprises a third area (47) which at least partially surrounds the second area (27) and has the first or a third material thickness (H21.1, H47.1). Bladder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material thickness (H27.1) of the second area (27) is less than the first material thickness (H21.1) of the first area (21) and / or less than the third material thickness ( H47.1) of the third area (47). Bladder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second area (21, 27) is polygonal and / or arcuate in its lateral extension on an outer peripheral side (28). Bladder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contour zone (25) has spacer elements (29) and / or flow channels (23), in particular the spacer elements (29) extending from the fluid channel (7) radially extending ridges (29) and the flow channels (23) are grooves (23) extending radially from the fluid channel (7). Bladder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second area (21, 27) has two or more sub-areas (23, 29, 30, 32) which each extend in the circumferential direction to an adjacent sub-area (23, 29, 30, 32) have different material thicknesses (H21.1, H21.2, H21.3, H27.1). Welding tool (31) for producing a bladder system (1), in particular a bladder system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a welding stamp (33) which is formed from a material that conducts an electrical high-frequency alternating field, characterized in that the welding stamp (33) has a central recess (35) and the welding tool (31) furthermore comprises an inner die (37) arranged within the recess (35), which is formed from material which is non-conductive to the high-frequency alternating electrical field and is contoured on an underside (39) is. Welding tool after Claim 8 , characterized in that the inner punch (37) is adjustable in height relative to the welding punch (33). Welding tool after Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the inner punch (37) is exchangeable. Welding tool according to one of the Claims 8 to 10 , characterized in that the welding punch (33) is polygonal and / or arcuate in its cross section on an outer circumferential side (40). Welding tool according to one of the Claims 8 to 11 , characterized by an outer die (41) which at least partially surrounds the welding die (33) and which has a material which does not conduct the electrical high-frequency alternating field. Welding tool according to one of the Claims 8 to 12th , characterized in that the welding die (33) and / or the outer die (41) is each contoured on an underside (45, 43). Method for operating a welding tool (31) according to one of the Claims 8 to 13th , comprising the following process steps: providing two films (17, 20) arranged one above the other, the first film (17) at least partially to form a first bubble (3) and the second film (20) at least partially to form a second bubble ( 5) is provided, welding the two foils (17, 20) and forming a weld seam (15) by pressing on a welding tool (31) and applying the Welding tool (31) with a high-frequency alternating field, forming a welding bead (21, 47) from foil material that forms as a result of the welding, so that the welding bead (21, 47) has at least two sub-areas (23, 29, 30, 50) of different material thickness . Procedure according to Claim 14 , characterized in that the forming of the welding bead (21, 47) takes place during the welding of the two foils (17, 20) and thus during its formation, or that the forming of the welding bead (21, 47) takes place after the welding.

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